Govt to revive monk disciplinary mechanism
COLOMBO – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday (27) announced plans to introduce legal reforms aimed at strengthening discipline within the Buddhist clergy, including the revival of a formal disciplinary mechanism for monks.
Addressing the State Vesak Festival at the Midellawala Temple in Matara, the President said the government would move swiftly to amend the Vihara and Devalagam Act of 1931 following requests made by the Mahanayake Theras.
He said the proposed amendments would pave the way for the re-establishment of a ‘Dharmadhikaranaya’ – a disciplinary authority empowered to handle matters concerning the conduct and discipline of Buddhist monks.
“The necessary laws will be enacted promptly to ensure the maintenance of discipline among Buddhist monks,” the President said, stressing the importance of preserving public confidence in religious institutions and safeguarding the integrity of the Sangha.
The announcement comes amid growing public discussion over accountability and standards within the Buddhist clergy, with senior prelates previously calling for stronger internal disciplinary mechanisms.
Meanwhile, the government also held discussions with representatives of the upcountry Hindu clergy as part of broader efforts to address long-standing religious and community concerns.
A delegation of Hindu priests met Secretary to the President Nandika Sanath Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat earlier on Wednesday to discuss issues affecting Hindu religious leaders in plantation and upcountry areas.
Officials said the discussions focused on challenges faced by upcountry Hindu priests over several decades, including administrative, social and religious concerns.
Kumanayake assured the delegation that the government would intervene to provide structured and long-term solutions to the issues raised. It was also agreed to hold follow-up discussions every two to three months to monitor progress and maintain engagement with the community.
The meeting additionally addressed the government’s wider program aimed at improving living conditions and public services in upcountry regions.
Representatives of the Hindu clergy expressed appreciation for the opportunity to directly present their concerns to the government.
Among those present were Shiva Sri Velu Suresh Sharma Kurukkal, senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat, and representatives of the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs.
-ENCL
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